The Alice Springs Student Accommodation (ASSA) provides accommodation for CDU students, students from other universities undertaking placement, CDU staff and visiting guests, and groups.
We offer single and twin share rooms across two houses, as well as communal kitchen areas, a self-service laundry and access to WiFi.
ASSA is a business enterprise of Charles Darwin University (CDU). Construction began in 2009 and the facility was officially opened to the public for operation in March 2011. ASSA’s day-to-day operations is managed from International House Darwin (IHD).
ASSA aims to increase student participation by providing an accommodation facility that is cost-effective, safe, secure, accessible and conducive to academic achievement, intellectual inquiry whilst aiming to contribute to the social, cultural and intellectual development of all residents. Please note there is a minimum two night stay.
For more information about the accommodation facility please contact us on T: 08 8959 5295.
Please note: if reservations permit, guests may apply for single occupancy.
ASSA provides its guests with a secure parking area.
If you are an individual guest, please complete an online application for residence via the CDU housing portal. The Accommodation Supervisor will be in contact with you within 48 hours of your submission. If you are under 18 years of age, you are also required to complete the Parental Consent Form. Applications will not be processed unless all the required information has been provided.
If you are booking on behalf of or part of a group, please complete the Group Accommodation Booking Form and send through to the Accommodation Supervisor.
If you are experiencing difficulty please contact one of our Guest Services Officers.
ASSA has been designed as a twin share facility to provide the best value accommodation option for students and staff attending the Alice Springs campus for short stays. However, if reservations permit, students and staff may apply to reserve two beds to obtain single occupancy.
Online application for residence
The University reserves the right to select residents based on information provided in their application and on information acquired from previous stays at any University student accommodation facility.
Please note: availability is limited and advance bookings and full payment are required to confirm a reservation.
| Twin-share occupancy | $42 per night |
| Sole occupancy | $84 per night |
| Long-term rate (28 consecutive nights or more. Rate from 2023) | $259 per week twin-share or $518 per week sole occupancy |
Cancellation fees
Lockout fee between
5pm - 8am
Replacement/unreturned key
Once your reservation is confirmed you are required to pay in full. If this is not possible, please discuss a payment plan with the Accommodation Supervisor.
Cash payments can be made at the info shop, Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm.
Credit card and debit card payments can be made via CDU webpay.
Please read the Terms and Conditions for Short Term Residency Policy to familiarise yourself with ASSA's cancellation policy and conditions of stay.
If you are booking on behalf of a group of 10 or more guests, please refer to the Group Booking Confirmation and Cancellation Terms and Conditions.
ASSA retains a bond of $200 for the entirety of your stay. The bond will be refunded after your departure date and is usually processed within ten business days of the refund form being received.
Please complete the refund form ensuring the refund method selected is the same as the original payment method. Please email the refund form to alicesprings.accommodation@cdu.edu.au.
The ASSA office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4pm.
The Resident Handbook will also provide you with more information about ASSA.
Upon arrival at the Alice Springs campus please call the ASSA Supervisor on 08 8959 5295 to arrange to check in to your room.
Check-in time is between 2pm - 6pm.
If your check-in time is anticipated to be later than 6pm please contact the ASSA Accommodation Supervisor to make alternative arrangements.
Check-out time is strictly 9am unless prior arrangements have been made with ASSA staff.
Your card key access will cease at 9am on your departure date. You can leave your room access key in your room upon departure.
Outside normal office hours, security staff can help you with any security issues that may arise, including lockouts, noise complaints, medical incidents or other related issues.
The ASSA Accommodation Supervisor is available for any other urgent issues including maintenance.
Please note: room lockouts occurring between 5pm and 8am incur a $70 charge.
You will be issued with a key card which provides access to your room and the common areas in your house. All key cards must be returned to ASSA when departing or the charge for a non-returned key will be deducted from the bond held.
Replacement key card fee is charged at $20 for each key card lost or not returned.
The University is committed to providing a residential environment conducive to study at all times, including a place for people to live while studying. Please read the CDU (Student Residences) By-Laws and CDU Governance Document Library.
The University is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning and working environment. ASSA aims to ensure all students and staff are safe from sexual assault and sexual harassment. Please read the CDU Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy.
Please make yourself aware of our Residential Agreements and Terms and Conditions policies.
This Resident Handbook (PDF, 2.69 MB) is designed to provide guests with helpful information about ASSA and the services provided.
Jade Kurray
Accommodation Supervisor
E: alicesprings.accommodation@cdu.edu.au
Jade coordinates the day-to-day operational functions of ASSA.
Cathryn Hoyne
Business and Property Manager
E: cathryn.hoyne@cdu.edu.au
Based at International House Darwin (IHD) on the Casuarina campus, Cathryn oversees finance, business, human resources, and property functions within Accommodation Services, including KSA, IHD and Alice Springs Student Accommodation (ASSA)
Philip Mosely
Manager, Accommodation Services
E: accommodation@cdu.edu.au
Based at IHD on the Casuarina campus, Philip oversees the management of accommodation facilities offered by CDU in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs.
To help us improve our services, we encourage you to provide feedback on your stay at ASSA.
To help us improve our services we encourage you to provide feedback on your stay. Please complete the anonymous online survey.